Overview
Hepatoprotective flavonolignan — best-known liver herb, often used around alcohol exposure.
- Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)
- Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)
- Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice
- Standardized extract capsule
- Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
- Powdered whole herb
- Traditional decoction or tea
Mechanism of action
Silibinin stabilizes hepatocyte membranes against toxins, raises GSH, and inhibits 5-LOX.
- · Membrane stabilization
- · GSH preservation
- · Anti-fibrotic
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Milk Thistle (Silymarin) supports hepatocyte antioxidant defenses (glutathione, Nrf2) and phase-I/II detoxification.
Evidence-based benefits
Antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning (IV)
Strong evidenceMild ALT/AST improvement in chronic liver disease
Limited evidencePotential side effects
- · Mild GI
Drug interactions
Safety & non-supplemental interactions
Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.
- ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
- ·Discuss with a clinician if you have active liver disease or take hepatotoxic medications.
Supplement interactions
- Milk thistle (silymarin)Complementary hepatoprotective antioxidant pathways.
- NACRestores hepatic glutathione.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
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Third-party testedIndependently verified Milk Thistle (Silymarin) — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Milk Thistle (Silymarin) third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Milk Thistle (Silymarin) capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Milk Thistle (Silymarin) capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Milk Thistle (Silymarin) powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Milk Thistle (Silymarin) powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Milk Thistle (Silymarin) products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Milk Thistle (Silymarin) best sellerScientific evidence9Show studiesHide studies
Silymarin for alcoholic and viral liver disease
Saller R, et al.
Review of silymarin in liver disease.
Reduced liver-related mortality in alcoholic cirrhosis.
PubMed: Milk Thistle (Silymarin) — Antidote for Amanita mushroom poisoning
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PubMed: Milk Thistle (Silymarin) — Mild ALT/AST improvement in chronic liver disease
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